As discussed in Part 1, traditional data recording is inefficient and cannot comply with increasingly stringent laboratory standards for record retention. Part 2 will discuss more benefits from implementing the STARLIMS Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN).

Efficiency

• Decrease implementation costs and begin working rapidly by using existing formulas and templates.
• Obtain greater efficiency from combining the powerful calculation engine and large predefined function library of a spreadsheet with the retrieval and storage functions of a database.
• Seek and find data quickly by using powerful ELN search capabilities.
• Valuable time and effort conserved by consolidating systems and eliminating switching between applications.

Compliance

• Follow processes by observing on-screen method execution instructions (SOPs) that are shown next to the data entry screen, displaying progress and actions that are necessary.
• Maintain full traceability, including electronic signatures, recording laboratory personnel’s actions for ensuring compliance.
• Reduce the use of homegrown tools, which lack control and are difficult to update.
• Capture data from both complex and simple analytical instruments.

Error Rates Decreased

Early detection of potential problems by performing a validation criteria check after every workflow step and then routing to staff the resulting data entry, approvals, and releases.
Utilize formulas for status determination, verify if entries are missing, and check for erroneous data.
Increase quality and conserve time via decreased typing, automated data entry from STARLIMS auto-population, direct copy and paste of text, and data retrieval from instruments.

Flexibility

Record unstructured data with the flexible ELN format, which can capture more information and provide explanations.
Annotate images for highlighting problem areas or areas of concern.
Add supporting graphs and charts to display data in a visual format more easily understood.
Import the data captured by instruments, which will include keywords, graphics, and tables.

STARLIMS ELN Solutions for Each Laboratory Role

Lab Manager – Efficient test method for review and approval.
QA/Compliance Manager – Tools for enforcing compliance and providing full method traceability.
Lab Analyst/Scientist – Accurate, rapid, and powerful method execution.

Alpha Engineering LIMS Implementation

Alpha Engineering Associates, Inc. has been involved with the implementation of over 50 LIMS systems ranging in size from small, “off-the-shelf” software systems to very large, highly customized, multi-functional systems, including STARLIMS, for both governmental agencies and private enterprises. For affordable client-focused network consulting services and solutions, please call Alpha Engineering Associates today at (410) 295-9500.